Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Poinsettias in July

Here's an interesting plant adventure we've simply happened upon accidentally.  Poinsettias like us!  We can keep poinsettias going throughout the winter and into spring and summer.  When weather includes freezing temperatures, we keep them indoors, of course.  We have a sun-room that faces south, and that's the room they like the best.  Once chance of frost is past, we take them outside.  Usually this is when they sprout a bunch of new green leaves.  This year's batch still have their red leaves from the winter months.  The largest of our poinsettias is 4 years old.  It likes the sun-room so much that it has bloomed red, at least to some degree, each winter.  After we put it outside this year it dropped most of its leaves, but is now working on a new batch of green ones. 
Poinsettia facts  (From www.Ask.com):
To get a poinsettia to reflower you have to keep it in total darkness between 5 pm and 8 am. Start this around October 1st and continue until color shows on the bracts; usually around early to mid-December. Any little exposure to light can prevent flowering. Covering the plant with a light-proof bag and placing it in a closet might work. Night time temperatures above 70-75°F can decay or prevent flowering.

How can I make my poinsettia last during the holiday season?

  • Place the poinsettia in a sunny window.
  • Do not let any part of plant touch cold window panes.
  • Indoor temperatures from 60 to 70°F is ideal for long plant life.
  • High temperatures will shorten the life of the colorful bracts.
  • Water only when the soil is dry.
  • Placing your poinsettia in a cool room 55 to 60°F at night will extend blooming time.
  • Do not fertilize when plant is in bloom.
  • Avoid temperature fluctuations and warm or cold drafts.

I want to keep my poinsettia plants. When can I take them outside?

Move your poinsettia plant outdoors when all danger of frost has passed. Place it in a sunny area but where it will get moderate shade in the afternoon.

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